Take 20: 'Cian Kelleher is the best room-mate, he makes a lovely cup of tea'

Eoin Griffin

Take 20: 'Cian Kelleher is the best room-mate, he makes a lovely cup of tea'

Independent.ie

1. Pre-match meal? I always go for the spaghetti bolognese. Our pre-match meals tend to be a bit more bland and are designed to be functional instead of being a gourmet feast. I like to get a bit of pasta into me, which is great for the energy banks.

1. Pre-match meal? I always go for the spaghetti bolognese. Our pre-match meals tend to be a bit more bland and are designed to be functional instead of being a gourmet feast. I like to get a bit of pasta into me, which is great for the energy banks.

2. Favourite player growing up?

Brian O'Driscoll was always my favourite player. He was at his prime when I was watching rugby in my teens and early 20s. Some of the things he did in attack were amazing and in defence he was rock solid too.

3. Best away day room-mate and why?

Cian Kelleher because he makes a lovely cup of tea. He is quiet enough, keeps things fairly well organised and doesn't snore either which is always a help.

4. Who would headline your houseparty?

Bon Iver is one of my favourite bands so I'd love to have them.

5. First song they would play?

'Re:stacks' is a great song to get the crowd going.

6. You win the Lotto, first thing you would buy?

I'd buy a top notch yacht and sail around the Mediterranean stopping off at every little port along the way.

7. Favourite movie?

'The Departed' is a top movie. It has an unbelievable cast and its one of those movies that you can watch over and over. It has a serious sound track as well of course and when we take to the field in the Sportsground, 'I'm shipping out to Boston' is played in the background.

8. Favourite TV show and why?

'Game of Thrones' so I've something to talk about in the dressing room. Some guys are obsessed with it.

9. Earliest rugby memory growing up?

I remember playing my first game ever and been put on the wing. I can't remember who exactly we were playing but I remember standing out on the wing not have a clue what I was supposed to be doing. I have picked up a few tips along the way, but the first day out with the club will always be in my mind.

10. Who is the joker in the dressing room?

JP Cooney - He is always up to no good and is well able to give and take a bit of abuse.

11. Favourite holiday destination and why?

I love spending time in Chicago. It's a great city and there is always something to do no matter what time of the year it is.

12. Favourite away ground to play at?

I've played in some great away grounds, but Stade Ernest Wallon was special. We beat Toulouse there in 2013 in the Heineken Cup. That was a phenomenal game and gave us huge confidence that we could compete at that level.

13. Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to your dinner party?

JFK, Tom Crean and Emma Watson. I was always fascinated by the Tom Crean story and would love to hear it first-hand.

14. Most memorable moment in rugby?

That game against Toulouse was the most memorable for me. It was such a huge step for the province and that particular team.

15. Do you have any pre-match superstitions / rituals?

No, I'm not into superstitions. I always try to prepare well but try to stay relaxed at the same time and be ready physically and mentally for kick-off.

16. Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?

Keith Matthews because he was tough as nails and helped me a lot as a young fella starting out in my career with Connacht.

17. Who is the best player you have played against and why?

Regan King because he always seemed to have time on the ball. He put in some phenomenal performances during his time with the Scarlets.

18. Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

I can speak five different languages to very varying different levels of proficiency.